ratchet up

verb

1. To increase.

   “After all, nations are pouring massive resources into military applications of AI, and many citizens don’t know or don’t care. Yet that quiescent attitude may change over time, as the domestic use of AI surveillance ratchets up, and that technology is increasingly identified with shadowy apparatuses of control, rather than democratically accountable local powers.”

   “Living legend Miley Cyrus and songwriter/producer/drummer Maxx Morando have recently ratcheted up their PDA, and if you're new here ("here" being their relationship), don't worry about it. We put together a timeline just for you—yw!”